On January 5th, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller once again reminded residents that a large number of mysterious seeds from China have reappeared and may have been directly mailed to residents’ doorsteps.
Since 2020, Texas residents have been receiving unsolicited packages from China containing unidentified seeds. The Texas Department of Agriculture urges residents who receive such packages not to open them, not to plant the seeds, and not to dispose of them in the trash to avoid future burial.
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, another wave of unidentified seed packages from China has surfaced since February 2025. Over the past 10 months, the state has confiscated 1101 packages of seeds sent to over 100 locations throughout Texas. The department warns that these seeds may pose a serious threat to Texas agriculture and environmental safety.
Although these packages may seem harmless at first glance, authorities warn that they could conceal a greater threat: the potential introduction of invasive species that could affect crops, gardens, natural ecosystems, and even the food supply chain.
“While it may seem like a minor issue at first, it is actually quite significant,” Miller said. “These seeds may introduce invasive species to Texas, posing a real threat to residents and the agricultural industry. We need everyone to report immediately upon receiving such packages, so we can collect and handle the contents properly.”
The Texas Department of Agriculture stated that the last collection of unidentified seed packages was on December 29, 2025.
In 2025, not just in Texas, other states such as Ohio, New Mexico, and Alabama also reported similar cases of mysterious seed packages from China, indicating a nationwide phenomenon.
“Whether this is an ongoing scam or has hidden intentions, we are determined to protect Texas residents,” Miller stated. “Unsolicited seeds entering our country pose a threat to American agriculture, environment, and public safety. Texas will not take any risks when it comes to protecting people and the food supply.”
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) stated that these packages echo similar events nationwide since 2020, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with unsolicited foreign seed transportation, including brushing scams.
Brushing scams involve fraudulent practices where sellers send low-value items to strangers, who then leave fake positive reviews to boost the seller’s credibility on e-commerce platforms. However, given the potential for biological harm these packages may cause, officials cannot rule out the possibility of more serious consequences.
The TDA noted that they are working closely with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to collect, test, and safely dispose of these seed packages.
In 2020, a resident of Crute City, Texas, received an unordered package from China containing unidentified seeds and liquid. Subsequent testing by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) revealed the package contained lotus seeds and nutrient solution. The USDA considers lotus a invasive aquatic plant, especially when introduced outside of its native Asian habitats. This plant is not considered a noxious weed and is currently only banned in Wisconsin.
The USDA is using steam sterilization to destroy these seeds.
Authorities once again emphasize that these seeds should not be planted, opened, or discarded in regular trash bins. Residents who receive suspicious packages should keep them sealed and call the state agriculture department for guidance immediately.